Can BTS popularise K-pop music in the United States?

BTS is the first K-pop group to perform at the American Music Awards. Photo: Big Hit Entertainment

In 2012, Psy’s Gangnam Style took the world by storm, shattering YouTube records left and right while mesmerising those around the world with its catchy beats and “horse-riding” dance moves.

Psy’s success, however, failed to spill over to spark interest in other K-pop groups, as the song’s popularity centred mostly on the hilarious music video and comic dance moves. It earned the artiste’s follow-up song Gentleman a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and over a billion views on YouTube, but that was it. The Psy sensation was no more – a one-hit wonder, at least on the international stage.